Opening the Upper Face
A brow lift repositions the brows to create a more open, softer appearance to the upper face.
Within facial feminisation surgery, it is often used to elevate and reshape the brow, reducing heaviness and helping to create a more balanced relationship between the forehead and eyes.
Why This Procedure Is Considered
The position of the brows has a significant influence on facial expression and perceived gender.
A lower or flatter brow position can contribute to:
- A heavier or more shadowed eye area
- A more angular upper face
- A more typically masculine appearance
A brow lift may be appropriate if you are looking to:
- Elevate the brows to a more open position
- Soften the upper facial expression
- Improve the appearance of heaviness around the eyes
- Enhance the outcome of forehead contouring
The aim is not exaggerated elevation, but a natural repositioning that aligns with your overall facial proportions.
Surgical Approach
The brow is repositioned through an approach selected based on your anatomy and overall treatment plan.
This typically involves one of the following:
- Hairline approach (pretrichial incision)
Placed along the hairline, often combined with hairline lowering
Allows precise control of brow position while maintaining or improving forehead proportion - Coronal approach
Placed within the hair-bearing scalp
Allows access across the upper face for broader repositioning and contouring
The choice of approach is tailored to your hairline position, forehead shape, and whether other procedures are being performed at the same time.
How the Procedure Works
Brow lift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic.
- The soft tissues of the forehead are carefully released
- The brow is repositioned to the planned level
- The tissues are stabilised to maintain position as healing occurs
Where appropriate, the procedure is combined with forehead contouring to address both bone shape and soft tissue position.
Recovery
Recovery is gradual but generally well tolerated.
- Swelling and tightness in the forehead are expected initially
- Bruising settles over the first couple of weeks
- Temporary numbness of the scalp or forehead may occur and improves over time
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few weeks.
Results
As healing progresses, the upper face appears:
- More open and less heavy
- Softer in expression
- Better balanced with the rest of the face
The result is intended to feel natural, avoiding an over-elevated or “operated” appearance.
A Personalised Approach
Brow position varies significantly between individuals, and small changes can have a significant impact.
Careful planning ensures:
- The degree of lift is appropriate and proportionate
- The brow shape remains natural
- The result complements other facial features
Combination with Other Procedures
A brow lift is frequently performed alongside:
- Forehead contouring
- Hairline lowering
- Other facial feminisation procedures
A combined approach allows both the underlying bone structure and soft tissues to be addressed in a coordinated way.
Consultation
A detailed consultation allows discussion of your goals, assessment of brow position and forehead anatomy, and planning of a tailored approach.
Book a Consultation
For brow lift surgery as part of facial feminisation in London, arrange a consultation to explore your options and develop a personalised treatment plan.